How do investigators identify research topics?

What will be an ideal response?

Research ideas may emerge from the researcher’s own experiences or curiosity, interactions with other researchers, reading the literature, attending workshops or conferences, or any other sources. The choice of a research topic is influenced by a number of factors, including whether the researcher seeks to address a social problem; test or construct a theory; pursue interests according to ability and available resources; or contribute to the field and gain professional recognition.

The major source of research topics are basic social problems in health services, inspired by the big picture of hot topics in the field, what is happening in the neighborhood, and policy issues in the news. HSR may also be conducted to test or construct scientific theories using a disciplinary framework that provides direction in topic selection, research focus, and study design. They draw upon HSR social science theories and, in the process, modify existing theories or develop new ones.

Researchers are also influenced by their own personal interests and experience, and are more likely to be committed to a project in which they have a personal interest. Their ability and available resources also influence their topic selection. Ideally, the focus of research should reflect the background and training of those involved in the research. The amount of available resources also impacts practical considerations. For example, many researchers select their topic based on available data, available time, and the availability of computers and support personnel.

The choice of a research topic can also be influenced by the desire for professional recognition. Researchers may pursue topics regarded as “hot” or prestigious in their disciplines, with the goal of publishing in premier scholarly journals or advancing their careers in terms of tenure or promotion.

Additional sources for research topic may stem from funding announcements, the discussion section of a published study where future research direction is suggested, one’s skill set and access to potential data sources, time and resource constraints, and influences from mentors. Furthermore, a combination of those factors could influence the decision to pursue a research topic.